Burundi entry requirements for Malta passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 18, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked

Malta passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Burundi. You'll handle it at the airport or land border — no need to apply in advance. This policy is current as of 2026.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa on arrival
Visa on arrival
Get your visa on arrival at Bujumbura International Airport. Have 90 USD in cash (exact change preferred) and a passport photo ready. The process takes 15–30 minutes.Check visa infoRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay
Your passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended departure date from Burundi. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Required for entry
Immigration officers at Bujumbura Airport ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or the booking on your phone ready — they check this before stamping you in.Required
Proof of accommodation
Recommended to carry
Hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host in Burundi. Immigration may ask where you're staying — having a printed booking avoids delays.Recommended
Proof of funds
Recommended to carry
Carry at least 200 USD in cash or a credit card with a recent bank statement. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, you'll need to show you can cover your stay.Recommended
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — USD or euros. There are no ATMs at the airport or most land borders. Bring the exact amount to avoid issues.
Yellow fever vaccine required
You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) upon arrival. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the border.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at entry point
At Bujumbura International Airport or a land border, proceed to the immigration desk. Look for the 'Visa on Arrival' sign.
2
Present documents
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (usually given on the plane or at the border), and your return ticket. The officer will process your visa.
3
Pay visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash — typically USD or euros. Have the exact amount ready. Credit cards are not accepted.
4
Receive visa sticker
The officer will affix a visa sticker into your passport. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter.
5
Proceed to baggage claim
After immigration, collect your luggage and exit. Keep your passport handy for any random checks.
Download Burundi Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost90 USD (approx. 90 USD)

Apply at Burundian embassy abroad or on arrival.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost150 USD (approx. 150 USD)

Requires prior application at embassy.

Long-stay visa (business/visit)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost200 USD (approx. 200 USD)

Requires invitation letter and approval from Burundian authorities.

work visa
Work Permit Visa
1 year, renewable
~300 USD (approx. 300 USD)
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Burundian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable
~100 USD (approx. 100 USD)
For enrolled students at accredited institutions in Burundi. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~500 USD (approx. 500 USD)
For individuals investing at least $100,000 in Burundi. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (USD or EUR) upon arrival at Bujumbura International Airport.$90 USD (approx. €83)
Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of $500 USD. Pay at immigration office before departure.$10 USD per day

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%

Approval probability calculator

Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.

Transiting through Burundi

No transit visa needed

Malta passport holders transiting through Burundi do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, for land or sea transit, a visa may be required.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsBujumbura International Airport (BJM)

Health & vaccines for Burundi

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; Burundi may request proof at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderCholeraConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.

Typhoid feverModerate risk

Risk from contaminated food/water; vaccination advised.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is endemic nationwide, including Bujumbura. Use mosquito repellent, nets, and consider prophylactic medication (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline).

Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.

Immigration offices for extensions

Bujumbura
Direction Générale de l'Immigration et de l'Emigration
Avenue de la Révolution, Bujumbura
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.

Gitega
Immigration Office Gitega
Rue de l'Immigration, Gitega
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Regional office for central Burundi. Limited services; call ahead.

Practical information for MT travellers

Country basics
CapitalGitega
LanguageKirundi, French, English
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyBurundian franc (BIF)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 2,983.89 BIF
updated May 19
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h
vs Los Angeles+10h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,ETypes C and E, standard European two-pin and Schuko.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Police117
Medical112
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

The visa on arrival for Burundi typically costs around $90 USD for a single-entry, 30-day visa. Fees can vary slightly by entry point. Pay in cash — USD or euros are preferred. Credit cards are not accepted.
The standard visa on arrival is valid for up to 30 days. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the immigration office in Bujumbura. Extensions are not guaranteed and cost extra.
Yes, extensions are possible but not automatic. You'll need to visit the Direction Générale de la Migration in Bujumbura. The process can take a few days, and you'll need a valid reason (e.g., work, medical). Fees apply.
Visa on arrival is available at most major land border crossings, including those from Rwanda, Tanzania, and DR Congo. The process is the same as at the airport — present your passport, pay the fee, and get the sticker. Some smaller crossings may not offer it, so check in advance.
Yes, Burundi requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. You'll need to show your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination) at immigration. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot.
No. Immigration will ask for proof of onward travel — a return flight or a ticket to your next destination. A bus ticket out of the country may also be accepted, but a flight is safest. Keep a printed or digital copy handy.
Burundi has periodic political tensions and security risks. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Avoid large gatherings and stay in well-known areas. Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.